HELP IS at hand for residents trying to cut their fuel bills before the colder months and weather return.
Warmer Homes West Midlands is offering personalised free impartial energy advice to households across the region online and by phone.
The programme forms part of a wider regional fuel poverty and retrofit programme being led by Energy Capital at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) which also provides jobs and support for local people as part of the region’s green recovery.
The West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, said: “With the rising energy bills and cost of living pressures we’re facing in our region, we need to do all we can to support local residents through the upcoming winter months and beyond.
“That’s why I’m grateful that the Warmer Homes West Midlands programme will provide a welcome support line for those seeking to keep costs down whilst keeping warm in the coming months.”
Residents can call a freephone number to talk to advisors who also book in home visits for more complex cases.
The service also has outreach workers who can deliver energy training in the community for groups and work directly with other organisations supporting vulnerable households.
Outreach workers can also carry out home visits where more tailored advice and support can be offered to more vulnerable residents.
Community outreach staff can also offer help with budgeting, access grant funding and supply and install free energy saving measures such as draughtproofing, heat reflective radiator foils and energy efficient lightbulbs.
The service is also beginning to train local community volunteers as energy champions who will deliver energy advice and support for the benefit of their local communities.
This empowers local networks to become more resilient and able to cope with current energy challenges.
The reminder to get in touch with the Warmer Homes West Midlands programme follows the announcement from Ofgem that in October it will be increasing the energy price cap, which will mean higher bills for many consumers.
Councillor Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for energy and environment and leader of Solihull Council, said: “The Warmer Homes programme is offering free and trusted advice to help those who may be worried about their increasing heating bills which is much needed in this difficult time.
“I hope many people will be able to benefit and save some money from this advice, ready for the winter months.”
For more on Warmer Homes West Midlands or advice visit their dedicated website or call 0808 196 8298.
